US20200124243A1 - Lighting unit for automotive headlamp - Google Patents
Lighting unit for automotive headlamp Download PDFInfo
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- US20200124243A1 US20200124243A1 US16/164,918 US201816164918A US2020124243A1 US 20200124243 A1 US20200124243 A1 US 20200124243A1 US 201816164918 A US201816164918 A US 201816164918A US 2020124243 A1 US2020124243 A1 US 2020124243A1
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- Prior art keywords
- reflector
- lighting unit
- light sources
- light
- lighting
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- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 29
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000009131 signaling function Effects 0.000 description 5
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- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
- F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
- F21S41/36—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2607—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic comprising at least two indicating lamps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
- F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
- F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/30—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/30—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
- F21S43/31—Optical layout thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2103/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes
- F21W2103/10—Position lights
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2103/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes
- F21W2103/20—Direction indicator lights
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2103/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes
- F21W2103/55—Daytime running lights [DRL]
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2113/00—Combination of light sources
- F21Y2113/10—Combination of light sources of different colours
- F21Y2113/13—Combination of light sources of different colours comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a lighting device, and more particularly, to a lighting device for a motor vehicle having a plurality of light sources for performing various lighting/signaling functions.
- the lighting devices are equipped with plurality of light sources operated to perform various lighting/signalling functions.
- the lighting devices have light sources, for example light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can emit light in different colors.
- the light sources may be arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from each other such that a substantial space for accommodating the light sources is required in the lighting device.
- the lighting device can also include a reflector module for collimating the light emitted from the light sources.
- the light sources are typically arranged in a manner such that the light emitted are pointed directly at a focal point of the reflectors of the reflector module.
- FIG. 1A shows an arrangement of plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with prior art.
- the reflector assembly 100 includes two reflectors 105 , and light sources include white (W) and amber (A) LEDs arranged adjacent to each other on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 110 .
- white LEDs are positioned such that the light emitted is directed to a focal point and used to generate a first light distribution.
- the amber LEDs are positioned such that the light emitted is directed near the focal point and used to generate a second light distribution, which differs in color from the first light distribution with slightly less efficiency.
- the resulting beam pattern 115 emitted from each LED is decentered as a result of beam shifts, as shown in the FIG. 1B . This results in reduced overall efficiency of the lighting device.
- the invention herein overcomes one or more of the problems of the known lighting devices.
- An object of the present invention is to solve the above described disadvantages of known lighting devices.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting unit/device that can perform various lighting/signalling functions while generating a centered output beam, and more preferably a centered output beam that balances the efficiency of both lighting/signaling functions.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that can generate a centered output beam while meeting the regulation requirements.
- the lighting unit comprises a series of two or more reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; and at least two light sources are arranged per reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point. Further, the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector.
- the at least two light sources include at least one first light source for providing a first lighting function and at least one second light source for providing a second lighting function.
- the at least one first light source is Amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) and the at least one second light source is white LED.
- the first lighting function is embodied as a daytime driving light, as a position light, or both and the second lighting function is embodied as a flash lighting for the indication of the driving direction of a vehicle.
- the lighting unit further comprises a control unit to control the various functions.
- the control unit is an electronic circuit to control the operation of the light sources.
- the set positional angle is about equal to 360 degrees divided by the number of reflectors.
- the set position angle is at least about 45 degrees. In another embodiment, the set position angle is at least about 180 degrees. Yet, in another embodiment, the set position angle is at least about 90 degrees. Still in another embodiment, the set position angle is at least about 120 degrees.
- the at least two reflectors are parabolic reflectors, which are similar in shape, size, and made of the same material.
- the lighting unit comprises a series of four reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; and at least two light sources are arranged per reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point.
- the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector.
- the set position angle is about 90 degrees.
- the set position angle is about 180 degrees.
- the set position angle is between 45 degrees and 180 degrees.
- the set position angle is about 45 degrees.
- the lighting unit comprises a series of four parabolic reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; and at least two light sources are arranged per parabolic reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point.
- the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident parabolic reflector, further wherein the set positional angle is between 60 and 120 degrees.
- the lighting unit of the present invention can perform various lighting/signalling functions while generating a centered output beam. Therefore, the overall efficiency of the lighting unit is improved in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1A shows an arrangement of plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with prior art.
- FIG. 1B shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in the FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 2A shows an arrangement of a plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2B shows a top view of the configuration of light sources, shown in the FIG. 2A , mounted on a light source mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in the FIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3A shows an arrangement of a plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3B shows a top view of the configuration of light sources, shown in the FIG. 3A , mounted on a light source mounting structure, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in the FIG. 3A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention relates to a lighting unit of an automotive headlamp that can perform various lighting/signalling functions while generating a centered output beam.
- the plurality of light sources of the lighting unit are arranged in a specific manner such that each light source can produce a centered output beam, thereby the overall efficiency of the lighting unit can be improved while meeting the regulation requirements.
- the lighting unit for the automotive headlamp comprises one or more light sources, a reflector assembly, a lens, and housing.
- the lighting unit of the headlamp is configured to perform various lighting/signaling functions, for example, daytime running light function, a turn signal function etc.
- the lighting unit may be equipped with LEDs that can emit different colors.
- the LEDs may operate either in groups or operate simultaneously. Further, the LEDs may be arranged in groups to fulfil several functions.
- a lighting unit of an automotive headlamp comprising: a series of two or more reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; at least two light sources are arranged per reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point; and the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector.
- FIG. 2A shows, an arrangement of the plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the reflector assembly 200 includes a series of two reflectors 205 A, 205 B arranged side by side and coincident with each other.
- two reflectors 205 A, 205 B are shown in the FIG. 2A .
- the at least two reflectors 205 A, 205 B are parabolic reflectors, which are similar in size, shape and made from the same material.
- two light sources are arranged per reflector 205 A, 205 B for performing two functions. It should be noted that, more than two light sources can also be arranged per each reflector for performing multiple functions.
- the two light sources arranged per reflector comprises a whilte LED and an amber LED for performing a first function and a second function, respectively. LEDs of the first function are indicated by ‘A’, and the LEDs of the second function are indicated by ‘W’. If the function position light and/or daytime running lights required, the LEDs associated with the second function can be operated ; and if a flashing function is required for a direction indicator, the LEDs associated with the first function can be operated.
- the at least two light sources of the lighting unit are arranged on a light source mounting structure 210 .
- the light source mounting structure 210 is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 210 .
- the arrangement of the light sources on the PCB 210 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is shown in the FIG. 2B .
- the FIG. 2B shows a top view of the arrangement of the light sources (A, W) on the PCB 210 .
- the light sources (A, W) are arranged alternately adjacent to each other on the PCB 210 .
- the at least two light sources (A, W) for each reflector 205 A are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources (A,W) of the coincident reflector 205 B.
- the at least two light sources for each reflector 205 A are arranged at an angle P relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector 205 B.
- the set positional angle is about equal to 360 degrees divided by the number of reflectors. As can be seen from the FIG. 2B , the set position angle is about 180 degrees.
- the at least two light sources for each reflector 205 A are arranged at 180 degrees relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector 205 B such that the light sources are arranged alternately adjacent to each other on the PCB 210 .
- a white LED arranged for a first reflector 205 A is adjacent to a white LED arranged for a second reflector 205 B.
- an amber LED arranged for a second reflector is adjacent to an amber LED arranged for a third reflector and so on.
- each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point (F) of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point (F).
- FIG. 2C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in the FIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the beam pattern 215 is more centered compared to the beam pattern shown in the FIG. 1B (prior art).
- FIG. 2C it can also be observed from the FIG. 2C is that the beam pattern is spread throughout the illuminated area. Therefore, the efficiency of the lighting unit can be improved by arranging the LEDs in accordance with the FIG. 2B .
- the light sources are arranged in a different manner to achieve a centered output beam.
- the light sources are arranged in a different manner to achieve a centered output beam.
- the reflector assembly of the lighting unit includes four reflectors.
- FIG. 3A shows an arrangement of a plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3B shows a top view of the configuration of light sources, shown in the FIG. 3A , mounted on a light source mounting structure 310 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in the FIG. 3A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the lighting unit in accordance with the preferred embodiment comprises a reflector assembly 300 having a series of four reflectors 305 A, 305 B, 305 C, 305 D arranged side by side and coincident with each other ; and at least two light sources (A,W) are arranged per reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point (F) of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point.
- the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle P relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector.
- the set position angle is about equal to 360 degrees divided by the number of reflectors.
- the set position angle is about 90 degrees as the reflector assembly includes four reflectors.
- the set position angle is at least about 45 degrees if the number of reflectors in the reflector assembly are equal to 8. In another embodiment, the set position angle is about 60 degrees if the number of reflectors in the reflector assembly are equal to 6. Yet, in another embodiment, the set position angle is about at least 120 degrees if the number of reflectors in the reflector assembly are equal to 3.
- FIG. 3C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in the FIG. 3A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the beam pattern 315 is more centered compared to the beam pattern 115 shown in the FIG. 1B (prior art) and the beam pattern 215 shown in the FIG. 2B .
- each LED can generate a centered output beam, and thereby the efficiency of the lighting unit is improved.
- the present invention includes a control unit (not shown in the Figures) to control the operation of various LEDs to perform various functions.
- the control unit is an electronic circuit to control the operations of the light sources.
- the present invention is not limited in its implementation to the above described embodiments. Rather, a number of variants which make use of the described solution even for basically different configurations. More particularly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the lighting unit as a frontal head of the motor vehicle. The present invention is also directed to lighting units that serve as a tail light of the motor vehicle.
- any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value.
- the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification.
- one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a lighting device, and more particularly, to a lighting device for a motor vehicle having a plurality of light sources for performing various lighting/signaling functions.
- Known lighting devices or headlamps assemblies for automotive vehicles are equipped with plurality of light sources operated to perform various lighting/signalling functions. To fulfill several lighting/signalling functions, the lighting devices have light sources, for example light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can emit light in different colors. The light sources may be arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from each other such that a substantial space for accommodating the light sources is required in the lighting device. The lighting device can also include a reflector module for collimating the light emitted from the light sources. The light sources are typically arranged in a manner such that the light emitted are pointed directly at a focal point of the reflectors of the reflector module.
-
FIG. 1A shows an arrangement of plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with prior art. As can be seen from theFIG. 1A , thereflector assembly 100 includes tworeflectors 105, and light sources include white (W) and amber (A) LEDs arranged adjacent to each other on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 110. In this example, white LEDs are positioned such that the light emitted is directed to a focal point and used to generate a first light distribution. The amber LEDs are positioned such that the light emitted is directed near the focal point and used to generate a second light distribution, which differs in color from the first light distribution with slightly less efficiency. With this arrangement, theresulting beam pattern 115 emitted from each LED is decentered as a result of beam shifts, as shown in theFIG. 1B . This results in reduced overall efficiency of the lighting device. - Further, with the present arrangement of the light sources, it can be seen from the
FIG. 1B that there is a lack of light on a part of illuminated area depending on the position of LEDs on thePCB 110. Therefore, the regulation requirements of distribution of light can not be fulfilled with the present arrangement of the light sources on thePCB 110. The invention herein overcomes one or more of the problems of the known lighting devices. - An object of the present invention is to solve the above described disadvantages of known lighting devices. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting unit/device that can perform various lighting/signalling functions while generating a centered output beam, and more preferably a centered output beam that balances the efficiency of both lighting/signaling functions.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that can generate a centered output beam while meeting the regulation requirements.
- To achieve at least the above mentioned objects, there is provided a lighting unit for an automotive headlamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lighting unit comprises a series of two or more reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; and at least two light sources are arranged per reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point. Further, the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector.
- In an aspect, the at least two light sources include at least one first light source for providing a first lighting function and at least one second light source for providing a second lighting function. In an aspect, the at least one first light source is Amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) and the at least one second light source is white LED. The first lighting function is embodied as a daytime driving light, as a position light, or both and the second lighting function is embodied as a flash lighting for the indication of the driving direction of a vehicle.
- In an embodiment, the lighting unit further comprises a control unit to control the various functions. For example, the control unit is an electronic circuit to control the operation of the light sources.
- In an embodiment, the set positional angle is about equal to 360 degrees divided by the number of reflectors.
- In an embodiment, the set position angle is at least about 45 degrees. In another embodiment, the set position angle is at least about 180 degrees. Yet, in another embodiment, the set position angle is at least about 90 degrees. Still in another embodiment, the set position angle is at least about 120 degrees.
- In an embodiment, the at least two reflectors are parabolic reflectors, which are similar in shape, size, and made of the same material.
- In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lighting unit comprises a series of four reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; and at least two light sources are arranged per reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point. Further, the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector. In an embodiment, the set position angle is about 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the set position angle is about 180 degrees. Yet, in another embodiment, the set position angle is between 45 degrees and 180 degrees. Still, in another embodiment, the set position angle is about 45 degrees.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the lighting unit comprises a series of four parabolic reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; and at least two light sources are arranged per parabolic reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point. Further, the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident parabolic reflector, further wherein the set positional angle is between 60 and 120 degrees.
- The lighting unit of the present invention can perform various lighting/signalling functions while generating a centered output beam. Therefore, the overall efficiency of the lighting unit is improved in accordance with the present invention.
- These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1A shows an arrangement of plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with prior art. -
FIG. 1B shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in theFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 2A shows an arrangement of a plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2B shows a top view of the configuration of light sources, shown in theFIG. 2A , mounted on a light source mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in theFIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3A shows an arrangement of a plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3B shows a top view of the configuration of light sources, shown in theFIG. 3A , mounted on a light source mounting structure, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in theFIG. 3A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - The embodiments of the present invention will be further explained below with reference to the figures and examples. Throughout the description, the same or similar reference numbers indicate the same or similar members. The following embodiments along with the figures are only used to explain the general concept of the present invention, instead of being intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
- The present invention relates to a lighting unit of an automotive headlamp that can perform various lighting/signalling functions while generating a centered output beam. Specifically, in the present subject matter, the plurality of light sources of the lighting unit are arranged in a specific manner such that each light source can produce a centered output beam, thereby the overall efficiency of the lighting unit can be improved while meeting the regulation requirements.
- Generally, the lighting unit for the automotive headlamp comprises one or more light sources, a reflector assembly, a lens, and housing. The lighting unit of the headlamp is configured to perform various lighting/signaling functions, for example, daytime running light function, a turn signal function etc. To perform different lighting/signaling functions, the lighting unit may be equipped with LEDs that can emit different colors. To fulfill the functions, the LEDs may operate either in groups or operate simultaneously. Further, the LEDs may be arranged in groups to fulfil several functions.
- According to one embodiment of the present invention, a lighting unit of an automotive headlamp comprising: a series of two or more reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; at least two light sources are arranged per reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point; and the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector.
- As an illustrative example as
FIG. 2A shows, an arrangement of the plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from theFIG. 2A , thereflector assembly 200 includes a series of tworeflectors reflectors FIG. 2A . It is understood to a person skilled in the art that more than two reflectors can be incorporated into the lighting unit, without any limitation. In an aspect, the at least tworeflectors - As can also be seen from the
FIG. 2A , two light sources (A,W) are arranged perreflector - In an aspect, the at least two light sources of the lighting unit are arranged on a light
source mounting structure 210. For example, the lightsource mounting structure 210 is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 210. The arrangement of the light sources on thePCB 210, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is shown in theFIG. 2B . In particular, theFIG. 2B shows a top view of the arrangement of the light sources (A, W) on thePCB 210. As can be seen from theFIG. 2B , the light sources (A, W) are arranged alternately adjacent to each other on thePCB 210. - In an embodiment, the at least two light sources (A, W) for each
reflector 205A are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources (A,W) of thecoincident reflector 205B. As can be seen from theFIG. 2B , the at least two light sources for eachreflector 205A are arranged at an angle P relative to the at least two light sources of thecoincident reflector 205B. - In an embodiment, the set positional angle is about equal to 360 degrees divided by the number of reflectors. As can be seen from the
FIG. 2B , the set position angle is about 180 degrees. In theFIG. 2B , the at least two light sources for eachreflector 205A are arranged at 180 degrees relative to the at least two light sources of thecoincident reflector 205B such that the light sources are arranged alternately adjacent to each other on thePCB 210. As can be seen from theFIG. 2B , a white LED arranged for afirst reflector 205A is adjacent to a white LED arranged for asecond reflector 205B. Likewise, an amber LED arranged for a second reflector is adjacent to an amber LED arranged for a third reflector and so on. - Further, it can be seen from the
FIG. 2A that the light sources (A, W) are disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point (F) of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point (F). - By arranging the LEDs in the specific configuration shown in the
FIG. 2A , each LED can generate a centered output beam.FIG. 2C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in theFIG. 2A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from theFIG. 2C , thebeam pattern 215 is more centered compared to the beam pattern shown in theFIG. 1B (prior art). Further, it can also be observed from theFIG. 2C is that the beam pattern is spread throughout the illuminated area. Therefore, the efficiency of the lighting unit can be improved by arranging the LEDs in accordance with theFIG. 2B . - In another embodiment of the present invention, the light sources are arranged in a different manner to achieve a centered output beam. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light sources are arranged in a different manner to achieve a centered output beam. In this preferred embodiment, the reflector assembly of the lighting unit includes four reflectors.
FIG. 3A shows an arrangement of a plurality of light sources and a reflector assembly of a lighting unit, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3B shows a top view of the configuration of light sources, shown in theFIG. 3A , mounted on a lightsource mounting structure 310, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in theFIG. 3A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - As can be seen from the
FIG. 3A , the lighting unit in accordance with the preferred embodiment comprises areflector assembly 300 having a series of fourreflectors FIG. 3B , the set position angle is about 90 degrees as the reflector assembly includes four reflectors. - In an embodiment, the set position angle is at least about 45 degrees if the number of reflectors in the reflector assembly are equal to 8. In another embodiment, the set position angle is about 60 degrees if the number of reflectors in the reflector assembly are equal to 6. Yet, in another embodiment, the set position angle is about at least 120 degrees if the number of reflectors in the reflector assembly are equal to 3.
-
FIG. 3C shows a beam pattern of the lighting unit having the reflector assembly shown in theFIG. 3A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from theFIG. 3C , thebeam pattern 315 is more centered compared to thebeam pattern 115 shown in theFIG. 1B (prior art) and thebeam pattern 215 shown in theFIG. 2B . - By arranging the LEDs in the specific configuration shown in the
FIG. 2B , andFIG. 3B , each LED can generate a centered output beam, and thereby the efficiency of the lighting unit is improved. - Further, in an embodiment, the present invention includes a control unit (not shown in the Figures) to control the operation of various LEDs to perform various functions. For instance, the control unit is an electronic circuit to control the operations of the light sources.
- The present invention is not limited in its implementation to the above described embodiments. Rather, a number of variants which make use of the described solution even for basically different configurations. More particularly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the lighting unit as a frontal head of the motor vehicle. The present invention is also directed to lighting units that serve as a tail light of the motor vehicle.
- Although the present disclosure is provided with reference to figures, all of the embodiments shown in figures are intended to explain the preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of examples, instead of being intended to limit the present invention.
- Apparently, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, which are intended to be covered by the present invention as long as these changes or modifications fall within the scope defined in the claims and their equivalents.
- Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.
- Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.
- The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications are incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- The term “consisting essentially” of to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination.
- The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/164,918 US10704757B2 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2018-10-19 | Lighting unit for automotive headlamp |
PCT/US2019/056218 WO2020081502A1 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2019-10-15 | Lighting unit for automotive headlamp |
CN201980069009.9A CN112888894B (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2019-10-15 | Lighting unit for a motor vehicle headlight |
EP19797514.7A EP3867564A1 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2019-10-15 | Lighting unit for automotive headlamp |
JP2021521107A JP7127213B2 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2019-10-15 | lighting unit for car headlight |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/164,918 US10704757B2 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2018-10-19 | Lighting unit for automotive headlamp |
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US20200124243A1 true US20200124243A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
US10704757B2 US10704757B2 (en) | 2020-07-07 |
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US16/164,918 Active US10704757B2 (en) | 2018-10-19 | 2018-10-19 | Lighting unit for automotive headlamp |
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US (1) | US10704757B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3867564A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7127213B2 (en) |
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Cited By (1)
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EP4321794A1 (en) * | 2022-08-12 | 2024-02-14 | Coplus Inc. | Illumination module with multi light sources and headlight having the same |
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JP7351075B2 (en) * | 2018-05-22 | 2023-09-27 | 市光工業株式会社 | Vehicle lights |
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DE102010056312B4 (en) | 2010-12-27 | 2014-02-13 | Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh | Motor vehicle light |
KR101235315B1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2013-02-20 | 에스엘 주식회사 | Automotive lamp |
JP2013032136A (en) * | 2011-06-29 | 2013-02-14 | Sharp Corp | Light-projecting device, and vehicle headlamp including the light-projecting device |
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JP6075969B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2017-02-08 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle headlamp |
AT513910B1 (en) * | 2013-02-07 | 2014-12-15 | Zizala Lichtsysteme Gmbh | Method for producing a lighting unit and lighting unit |
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2018
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2019
- 2019-10-15 EP EP19797514.7A patent/EP3867564A1/en active Pending
- 2019-10-15 WO PCT/US2019/056218 patent/WO2020081502A1/en unknown
- 2019-10-15 JP JP2021521107A patent/JP7127213B2/en active Active
- 2019-10-15 CN CN201980069009.9A patent/CN112888894B/en active Active
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EP4321794A1 (en) * | 2022-08-12 | 2024-02-14 | Coplus Inc. | Illumination module with multi light sources and headlight having the same |
EP4321795A1 (en) * | 2022-08-12 | 2024-02-14 | Coplus Inc. | Illumination module with multi light sources and headlight having the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2020081502A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
JP2022512729A (en) | 2022-02-07 |
JP7127213B2 (en) | 2022-08-29 |
EP3867564A1 (en) | 2021-08-25 |
US10704757B2 (en) | 2020-07-07 |
CN112888894B (en) | 2023-05-16 |
CN112888894A (en) | 2021-06-01 |
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